Fitting the Pieces Together

Fitting the Pieces Together

When I started this course, I felt my learning style leaned towards that of constructivism. The constructivism theory “is a function of how the individual creates meaning from his or her own experiences” (Ertmer & Newby, 1993). Basically the learner creates meaning from the learning experience based on his or her own perceptions of reality. With that being said and as the course has advanced, my learning has portions of connectivism.  Being in school and working online relates with connectivism because, “we’re dealing with complex environments that are systems-based…emphasis on social dimensions”  (Laureate Education, 2013).  Also, there are fragments of Adult Learner theory as I am well into my adulthood; the need to succeed brought on by intrinsic factors,

Learning theories overlap and essentially one begins where another ends. Why is that? …the simple answer is because the outcome is inherently the same. “Educators who believe in the concepts of learning styles…bring an approach to their teaching of focusing on how students learn the unique qualities of each learner; each theory offers a comprehensive approach to learning…each can be a catalyst for positive student learning…each forces us to examine our values about people, learning and education” (Guild, 1997).  No one theory is better than another, however knowing all theories will make you a more successful teacher/trainer/designer.  Each theory has information that as a learner or teacher you can choose take away and add to your tool box.  More ideas equate to a better opportunity to effectively help each and every learner.

Utilizing the newest forms of technology increases our opportunity for learning. Sharing documents and information through cloud computing promotes connectivism; along with blogs and wikis. Most new forms of technology are internet-focused which has helped with the emergence of online courses and virtually eliminating our issues with synchronous communication with others across the globe. Technology has truly made our global world appear smaller and smaller on a daily basis.

Ertmer, P. A., & Newby, T. J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing critical features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 50–71. 

Guild, P. (1997, September). Where do learning theories overlap. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept97/vol55/num01/Where-Do-the-Learning-Theories-Overlap¢.aspx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2013). "Connectivism" [Video webcast]. Retrievedfrom http://www.courseurl.com.